Excitement Building Toward EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008!

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. - (May 2, 2008) - The color, excitement and history of The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration is already taking shape for 2008, as less than three months remain until the start of the 56th annual EAA AirVenture fly-in convention, coming July 28-August 3 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

EAA AirVenture annually draws participants from more than 60 nations and in excess of 10,000 airplanes, including more than 2,500 showplanes. The event includes 800 exhibitors with the latest aviation innovations; nearly 1,000 forums, workshops and seminars covering every aspect of the world of flight; daily afternoon air shows featuring the world's finest aerobatic performers; up-close and personal sessions with top aviation personalities; and the gathering of aviation enthusiasts from around the globe coming home to "aviation's family reunion."

"Over the next three months, through the spring and into the summer, the excitement will build as we prepare to welcome the world to Oshkosh once again," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. "While the aircraft lineup already committed to AirVenture is outstanding, over the next few months announcements of other airplanes and personalities will round out the event's lineup to make it truly 'The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration.'"

From the AirVenture Cup race and mass fly-ins prior to the event, to the final air show and aircraft and vehicle drawings on Sunday, August 3, EAA AirVenture is filled with so many events that a visitor can make the experience as wide or focused as one desires.

Among the highlights already confirmed for AirVenture 2008:

• The amazing aerial abilities of the U.S. Air Force's F-22 "Raptors" return, contrasting with the smooth flight of the renowned Goodyear blimp in the sky over Oshkosh;

• The speed and thrills of flight with the inaugural Rocket Racing League exhibition races, the Nemesis NXT "Speed Blast" world-record attempt, and much more;

• Thrilling warbirds shows with dozens of airplanes, pyrotechnics, and fly-bys, plus a full slate of "Warbirds in Review" programs with historic aircraft and personalities;

• Commemoration of NASA's 60th anniversary, with aircraft on display and special presentations throughout the week; and recognition of the 30,000th homebuilt aircraft in America;

• Discover your own way into the sky at the "Learn to Fly Center" and the new "Affordable Flying Center";

• More than 2,500 "showplanes" from vintage models to ultralights, including nearly 1,000 homebuilt aircraft built and flown by their owners;

• The newest innovations in aviation, with 800 exhibitors offering everything to fulfill an aviation enthusiast's dreams, and plenty of new aircraft and avionics unveilings.

More than 30,000 people annually camp each year adjacent to the flight line, either setting up camp next to their airplanes or driving in to spacious Camp Scholler, where aviation enthusiasts fully experience everything that EAA AirVenture has to offer. Many aviators also are welcomed during their journeys by airport businesses that support EAA AirVenture through aviation fuel discounts and other amenities, available by searching www.airventure.org/fueldiscounts.

"For more than 50 years, the airplanes bring us together, but the spirit of the people keep us coming back," Poberezny said. "Pilots know that Oshkosh is a highlight for any aviator, which is why many make the trip every year. EAA AirVenture is a unforgettable week filled with excitement and unmatched experiences."

EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH is The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration and EAA's yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket purchase, admission rates, housing information, schedules and pilot info, is available through the World Wide Web at www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org.